In the immersive world of Black Myth: Wukong, progressing through the game requires defeating formidable enemies and gathering their unique essences. Two such critical items are the Keenness of Tiger and the Sternness of Stone, which are necessary to advance past certain barriers. This guide will take you through the steps to acquire these essences, ensuring you can continue your journey in the mysterious and perilous lands of this mythological adventure.

How to get Sternness of Stone, Keenness of Tiger in Black Myth: Wukong

As you explore the arid and treacherous landscape of Yellow Wind Ridge, you will eventually encounter a massive stone door blocking your path. This door cannot be opened until you have obtained the Keenness of Tiger and the Sternness of Stone, both guarded by powerful foes. These essences are essential for unlocking the way forward and delving deeper into the mysteries of Black Myth: Wukong.

How to get the Keenness of Tiger in Black Myth: Wukong?

To claim the Keenness of Tiger, you must face and defeat the Tiger Vanguard at the Crouching Tiger Temple. Here’s how to find and conquer this challenging opponent:

1. Start at the Valley of Despair: Begin your journey from the Valley of Despair, where you encountered the Royal Family of Flowing Sands. From the massive stone gate that demands you to “use the tally,” head left.
2. Navigating the Cavern: Descend into the cave, staying alert for the rat-man wielding a shield and the archer lying in wait on the left. These enemies can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not cautious, especially with the archer’s rapid-fire attacks. Once inside the cavern, you’ll spot a large, intimidating monster. However, you can avoid it by sticking to the right side and moving behind the stone column near the snake-spitting enemy.
3. Finding the Temple Entrance: Behind the snake-spitter, you’ll find a small stone ramp. Ascend it, and then descend the far side to discover a narrow gap in the wall. Squeeze through this gap, defeat the bat-like enemy within, and collect the Spirit they guard. Exit through the broken wall on the right side.
4. Reaching the Crouching Tiger Temple: Follow the decline to arrive at the Crouching Tiger Temple. Search around the temple steps for any loot, and then prepare to face the Tiger Vanguard at the temple’s peak.
5. Defeating the Tiger Vanguard: The Tiger Vanguard is a tough opponent, combining martial prowess with blood magic and the ability to harden his skin like stone, interrupting your attacks. Pay attention to the timing of his attacks—he often pauses slightly between combinations to bait you into dodging prematurely. Master the rhythm of his strikes, and you will eventually overcome him.

Once the Tiger Vanguard is defeated, you will receive the Keenness of Tiger, one half of the key to progressing in your journey.

How to get Sternness of Stone in Black Myth: Wukong?

With the Keenness of Tiger in hand, it’s time to acquire the Sternness of Stone by defeating the Stone Vanguard. Here’s how to find and defeat this guardian:

1. Return to the Valley of Despair Shrine: Begin at the Valley of Despair Shrine in Sandgate Village. From there, head towards the large rope bridge on the opposite side of the arena and cross it.
2. Proceeding Through the Ravine: Continue down the path, keeping an eye out for a stone enemy on your right. Deal with them and push forward through the ravine, where two more enemies—a rock monster and a snake spitter—await you. Defeat them to reach the Squall Hideout Shrine.
3. Navigating to Rockrest Flat: From the Squall Hideout Shrine, you can take either the left or right path, as both routes lead to the Rockcrest Flat Shrine. Upon arrival, look past the shrine’s rock formation to spot a distant gate. Beyond this gate lies the arena where the Stone Vanguard awaits.
4. Defeating the Stone Vanguard: Unlike the Tiger Vanguard, the Stone Vanguard is less complex but still dangerous. His attack patterns are limited, with his most troublesome move being the summoning of smaller enemies to crash into you, setting up a devastating jumping attack. Use Cloud Step to counter this move, as it will divert the smaller enemies towards your decoy instead of you. After defeating the Stone Vanguard, you will receive the Sternness of Stone.

With both the Keenness of Tiger and the Sternness of Stone in your possession, you can now open any gate requiring these essences to “use the tally,” allowing you to advance further in Black Myth: Wukong.

Acquiring the Keenness of Tiger and Sternness of Stone is crucial for progressing in Black Myth: Wukong. The journey to obtain these essences is fraught with danger, but with careful strategy and perseverance, you can overcome the Tiger and Stone Vanguards and unlock the mysteries behind the stone gates. Keep your wits sharp, your reflexes keen, and continue your epic journey through the mythical world of Wukong.